Title

Authors

Document Type

Article

Peer Reviewed

1

Publication Date

1-1-1996

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Biomaterials

DOI of Published Version

10.1016/0142-9612(96)86734-2

Start Page

649

End Page

661

Abstract

In this contribution the literature relevant to characterization of polyelectrolytes, polyelectrolyte complexes and hydrogels using luminescence spectroscopy is reviewed. A brief introduction to the fundamentals of luminescence is followed by a description of the various types of spectroscopic studies which may be used to characterize hydrogels. In addition to experiments based upon the addition of a viscosity, temperature- or polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe to characterize the local environment, experiments and techniques based upon luminescence quenching, fluorescence polarization, phosphorescence depolarization and excimer fluorescence are discussed. This review succinctly describes the utility of luminescence spectroscopy in the characterization of hydrogel systems, with a focus on recent developments in the characterization of hydrogels and polyelectrolyte complexes.